Barry (Bear) Leon Yates was born on December 6, 1948 and passed away February 5, 2015 in the arms of his loving wife, Brenda, after a long illness.
He is preceded in death by his parents Aldrick Ulmont Yates and his mother Virginia Coleman and is survived by his wife Brenda Yates of Tacoma, three step children Jessica, Kristina and Sarah, his grandchildren Karlie, Corbin, Aidan, Daven, Kiera, Alexa and Nathaniel. He is also survived by his sister Sharon Yates, nephew Robert Morales, and his nephew’s children, Max, Dane & Jack and also his niece Riki Morales.
Barry grew up in Redondo Beach Ca. and graduated from Aviation High School and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona. Everywhere Bear went he made friends and was a joy to be around. His wife nicknamed him Bear because he had great big bear hugs and a huge rumbling contagious laugh that made you feel warm and cared about. His first granddaughter called him papa and the rest of the grandkids followed suit and thus he became Papa Bear to all.
He cherished his family, adored his wife, and wished he could do more for them. He loved animals, Nascar & Jeff Gordon!
A small service will be will be held in Redondo Beach in the summer of 2015 to Celebrate his life with Friends and Family.
In lieu of flowers, the family is respectfully asking for donations toward the memorial costs.